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Thandiswa Mazai
THANDISWA MAZWAI (SOUTH AFRICA)


Full track details


When an artist drops their surname and starts asking the public to know them only by their first, they're usually signalling a certain post-modern kind of confidence and ambition. Thandiswa Mazwai doesn't appear to lack either, and is a pop star at home in South Africa. She also has more than enough talent to make a name for herself abroad.

The feisty Ms. Mazwai is familiar to fans of kwaito, that tough urban pop hybrid which feeds so freely on US house, R&B, hip-hop and ragga, yet still manages to sound unmistakably Southern African, with its slang-riddled use of local languages and roots styles. As the most memorable and versatile singer in the trio Bongo Maffin, Thandiswa has become something of an icon, attracting comparisons -­ however spurious -­ with the great Miriam Makeba, partly for her swooping, passionate voice, but also for her outspokenness. She's even been called South Africa's answer to Lauren Hill (of the Fugees), but doesn't take it too seriously.

Thandiswa became a fully-fledged member of Bongo Maffin in 1997, after an apprenticeship of a year or so spent chipping in with backing vocals. "After a while, I had sung so many of their songs that they had to, like, involve me in their shows." she recalls, laughing.

Four Bongo Maffin albums and numerous awards later, and symbolically coinciding with the year celebrating a decade of freedom in South Africa, Thandiswa released her debut album to an expectant public. Though Bongo Maffin have never been a hardcore kwaito act, focussing more on spiritual than streetwise themes in their lyrics (which Thandiswa is largely responsible for), "Zabalaza" (2004) takes her further from her kwaito roots, without quite deserting them. Local jazz, some acid jazz dabbling, plenty of cross-over friendly R&B and even a gospel standard all feature, but the most notable nods are to the Transkei region where she was born.

In preparation for the recording, Thandiswa re-immersed herself in Xhosa culture, visiting both her mother's village and that of traditional vocalist Madosini. Excerpts from the resultant 'Village Top 100 Hits' punctuate the album. As the guest appearance by her Bongo Maffin colleague Appleseed attests, she's not giving up on the group that launched her career. And by using a whole new crop of players selected during three days of auditions, she's given breaks to many young South African musicians, just like the one she got.

Jon Lusk (courtesy of fRoots)

Thandiswa Mazwai official website
Your Comments
thobile mdunge - cheshire -uk
your voice is so pure, you’re a natural beauty, and your music so original, so soulful..
Gauteng
She is the best ever, very decent, If it where to happen I would really like to share a stage with her. I love her, you rock baby. Boniswa In Dainfern
Lifa, Cape Town
i don’t think that i would have enough space to say what i think of this amazing musician.
sazikazi,pretoria,south africa
amaxhosa have a bad reputation on this side of the world, but as long as our culture can boast of daughters such as the authentic and talented ms. mazwai i will stand on mountains and proclaim my oh so wonderful, amazing stupendous xhosa-ness.thandie ooqamata bonke bayazi qhenya ngawe belede.
Phaphama , Chiawelo. Soweto
I believe that some people in life are born for a reason. Sister your one of them. I might not know u personally but yo energy and beautiful voice have captured my attention. your music is healing, it is pure and u my sister are a blessing to my life and a whole lot of peoples life. keep up the good work. I LOVE YOU SISTER
zinhle in joburg
well actually when talking about people like Thandiswa one runs out of words. her music is amazing and she is Blessed with awesome talent, thank God she's using it wisely. Nizalwa Ngobani and Zabalaza do something else to my heart and girl live on and on and on. i really love you, tou are the best may God bless and keep you mtaka Mazwai.
PETER SIKHUMBUZO MALAZA FROM DAVEYTON IN BENONI(SO
I AM PROUD TO SAY SHE REPRESENTS PEOPLE OF MY CULTURE(XHOSA)WELL & I KNOW THAT THE WORLD IS MISING SO MUCH MUSIC FRM SOUTH AFRICA & AFRICA AS A WHOLE.THANDISWA IS JUST ONE OF SOUTH AFRICAN MUSICIANS WHO ARE CRYING FOR A VOICE ABROAD
Qaqamba Emazizini Grahamstown
Your music is fantastic it gives us power, feel important .please write your advice for me pleasa thandi
Qaqamba emazizini grahamstown
You have power for your music .You make women of south africa to feel powerful importent and we have potetiol because of your music .Please don't stop we believe in you Thandiswa.
Pelokazi Mazizini Gtown
Ilike to say you are a respected women in south africa.Your music make people to think about their culture and freedom.
Njabulo Madlala
A role model, the piller of hope, the source, the course of our lives to continue and our joy. I listen to your music and forget to breath, I get lost in the tapestry that is so warm and trully african and universal. You are our history and treasure as South Africans. The real diva and a real example to youth. I hope you keep and work closely with Miriam Makeba because like she did, you marvel the world. A girl from another plannet. Umenjalo and remember what grandma told you long ago. Stay humble and dont waist your time with people who are out of order. Warm regards Njabulo Opera singer London
olwethu,P.E
U totally rock sista,keep up the good work!!!
Mandisa in East London
Tandiswa you are best. Just as a matter of concern we're loosing our young ones and talented artists to drugs. So sister do us proud and don't take drugs. We want to hear you sing in years to come. Cheers, Mandisa
phumela. cape town
thandiswamis such an inspiration i can look at her and get motivated i don't have to read the artical about her i just look at the pictures, one day i was so nervous to meet her coz i read that she was arrogant but when i went up to her it was so nice that is the day i thought ot myself i will never believe what i read. People know that i love thandiswa and i stand up for any bad thing that is said about her like i know her as a sister. if i would meet her i would just say thank you for being alive to her. i have so much to say but i don't like typing long letter. thandiswa sisi keep it up i love you girl
Musiime Denis, Washington DC .USA
I love Thandiwa,s Music. and many other talented artists in Africa, togetherness brings success. If this can be achieved, great success is always knocking on the doors.
PHELISA,CAPE TOWN
UR MUSIC REALI INSPIPER ME...I;M PROUD OF WHERE I CUM FROM AND IT;S ALL THANX 2U
palesa sephelane,vistaview bluffton sc
its the bomb!
Vuyiseka, UK
I'm very proud of you girl! When I heard the 'Nizilibel'ukuba nizalwa ngoobani'I just wanted to cry. Her songs touches deep down in the spirit and keep the African spirit burning even when you are not in your country. All I want to say is keep it up and make us proud
Lebogang Seitshiro (Botswana)
Beautiful! Just plain beautiful, in anyway I look at you. It takes real courage, strength and inspired talent to pull off what you've done Thandiswa. Granted there is room for improvement, but my sister, I wish you all the best and pray that you accomplish all that you can be (both professionally and spiritually). I just love your voice. So pure, almost child like, yet so strong and full of so much conviction. I've had to do a lot of searching and consulting to find out what most of the lyrics are saying, and I will say I admire anyone with heart enough to inspire others in a positive way as you do. I hope your message reaches the many Africans in this world whom I believe are in due order for cultural rejuvenation, belief and trust in who they are, peace and the end of suffering. Africa is a beautiful continent, full of beautiful people. Thanks for contributing towards drawing this beauty out as well as touching the hearts of others around the globe. Possibly out of it comes understanding... Truly though, it takes a concerted effort to realise this African dream...
Quinton van Rooyen- London
Thandiswa bring your warm voice to the cold climes of London....please?!!
Duke Ramavhoya ,Venda
Thandiswa's music is unique.
Amatola, Vancouver, Canada
Thandiswa has a wonderful voice and makes me proud to be from SA. What a brilliant star amongst all that yet-to-be-discovered talent. I wish her ongoing international recognition.
sinikiwe, london U.K
she is a great singer and i think she should win this category
Dineo Pretoria
Wow,my unsung heroine, but it don’t matter coz she is singing her spirit/soul alive.she gives mwa so much inspiration it feels like i feed off her buzz. its like she energizes mwa,she is like the most real, concrete, all da good tingz, and more woman alive. 4sure
RAMASHIA OWEN
RED Thandiswa Mazwai deserves to be crown a Queen. She is promotes African origins She sings original music
Sanda, JHB, South Africa
With the first attempt on her own, she produces the quality of the greats and seasoned soloists like eg. Sbongile Khumalo, etc. She is one of the best in the world, and with time I foresee the South African likes of 'Queen of Soul'. Best wishes for the future, Thandi. Wednes Oct 12 21:56 2005
Ntsikelelo Magwaca, Mafikeng South Africa
We have watched her over the years, growing musically and spiritually. She has really touched many lives and ensured that the legacy set by Mirriam Makeba's generation lives on. Siyabulela Zizikazi!
Conrad, London
She deserves to be massive. Geldof or Peter Gabriel should bring her to the UK and give her serious profile. Sometime we really need the energy, spirituality and colour of South Africa in Britain
Nontokozo @ University Of Johannesburg, SA
I love Thandiswa and had never been a great fan till recently when I visited a friend who has her new CD! I was completely taken by her voice and never thought that South Africans have so much talent. Her songs and her voice!!!! Especially Revelation. Thandiswa is trully someone special.
TABISA . EAST LONDON
Hey sista keep up the good work, your African style is no1. i luv u
PETERMODISAKENGsoweto sa
being a SA is very challenging, being a young BLACK artist is even harder. with her music forming the greater part of inspiration things become a little bit brighter. THE SERENITY OF HER MUSIC EMULATES THAT OF A SOWETAN TWILIGHT
Suzanne - London
I heard Thandiswa's voice for the first time on a documentary on BBC four. She is truly breath taking! As a white South Africa a long way from home it make me so homesick but so proud that South Africa has this amazing talent that the rest of the world has not seen yet.
IKA A.K.A SKRECH, JOZI (SOUTH AFRICA)
THANDISWA'S MUSIC IS VERY POWERFUL. I LOVE HER ALBUM. AS A SOUTH AFRICAN, I FEEL PROUD TO HAVE SISTERS LIKE HER. SHE IS A TRUE STAR! SISI WAMI, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. SOUTH AFRICA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD LOVES YOU.
lyngdoh(India)
rejuvenates the soul and the mind, with such a powerful simple tune. excellent!!
Angel,Sofia
I hope that girl will advise me from my headphones soon. It looks like deep blue humid sky and the surrounding exciteness of existing.
Peter in Maine, US
Her talent and the emotion in her voice transcend language. She is a brilliant star in a country shining with stars.
Mpho, UK
I think this is a really good song, I loved her in Bongo Maffin..and she is good solo
My name is Alexander Taylor
I list to the Radio to the (Radio naw).I love my Mum and Dad because are lovely. This letter his be send by Alexander Tayior
Nyasha, London
When I first heard her voice years ago I felt goose pimples and the feeling is still the same today each time I hear her voice it sounds new, exciting and fresh makes me want to learn more about my roots. Powerful...
Moses Kepa,Angola
An African queen who, prides herself in mothering the world, through her voice.
ab, somaliland
Very powerful lyrics.
Seth Wotten, Ontario, Canada
Thandiswa Mazwai makes me want to learn about and listen to more South African music!
peter, pretoria
she represents the talent that is in south africa, nelson mandela has opened doors for us, come to south africa and you'll be blown away with the great talent that is there, south africans are doing it for themselves, she definetly gets my vote..
dolly hude (SOUTH AFRICA)
she is very gifted reminds us of were we come from not to be ashamed of ourselves to be proud of ourselves in spite of what the world thinks of us.Reminds us of our Transkie roots not to be to much of the urbanization not to forget where we come from. That we may be black women still make it in the big world and live to accomplish our dreams.
Nomatola -USA
thandiswa is the bomb -- whenever I listen to her sing all my worries are gone. She deserve to win.
andy - johannesburg
She redeemed my interest in South African music. She is the best thing to emerge out of SA in a long time. She gets my vote!!!!
Zola S'thembile Tshabalala, JHB, South Africa
Thandiswa is an inspiration to the youth of South Africa (in and outside the music industry). I love her music and I know she will go very far, achieve greater heights and reach high levels of success. I wish to be on stage with her some day. I wish her all the best of BLESSINGS from the LORD our GOD above. I hope that she stays BLESSED, BLACK and PROUD, Sharp!!!
Mihlali-Port Elizabeth-SA
I've been following Thandiswa's music since her days with Jacknife.MaThandi keep on giving us the good music you've been giving u.Transkei Moon makes me wanna cry. You deserve this award.
Zwelihle Memela
She is "Young, Gifted and Black".
Anathi East London
Her music is truly sensational! She stands as an African goddess in her own right!Keep pumping isi Xhosa Thandi you are doing amaXhosa really proud! Ilove you
bulelwa mbena
Thandiswa Mazwai Has my vote
Zonke-Cape Town
Thandiswa give us more reason to celebrate being black and proudly South African.On Nizilibele ukuba nizalwa ngobani,it makes one sit down and take note.Mntana womthonyama,usenze sanegugu...
Tsepo, Sandton South Africa
She reminds us that being African is also cool, artistic and exiting. She is quality!!
Thamie - Cape Town
Thandiswa's music takes me back, when our fore fathers were still alive. She represents a unique genre of music. Different sounds all fused together. I love her a lot, she shows great appreciation of her culture and back ground. Thandiswa uya rocka! Keep it up...
Bongeziwe Mabandla South Africa
i think that Thandiswa is responsible for the change in South African black youth, coz more and more kids are starting to realize " hey wait a minute maybe being black and African is a beautiful thing" and that is a huge revelation. THANDIWSA DEFNIETY ROCKS AND SHE MAKES US SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH SO PROUD
Thabo-D Selepe, USA (NYC) & RSA (GP)
Thandiswa is one of the great things that have ever happen to South Africa, after Nelson Mandela, of cause. The has a voice so refreshingly smooth and a great beat to go with it. She is still learning and she needs to be encouraged and coached by the world's greatest like your Makebas and the Masekelas. Girl you deserve the award. Keep up the good work. You make us proud to be South African. We are not embarrased to play your music in the States, and you are the envy of many of my American friends. Whenever I play your record I make it a point that it is known that I am also Proudly South AFRICAN.
Dumisani Nyamza, Cape Town
Thandiswa has touched my heart with the new released album, this song "Zalwa" collects ones mind and has taken many South African by storm. I am proud of her for promoting our Xhosa culture and language through jazz with an African rhythm. Bravo Thandiswa!!!
Mzwandile Nokwindla (Johannesburg S.A.)
I really feel Thandiswa has taken S.A music to new heights with her debut Zabalaza.I'm sure she'll manage to climb even higher with her follow up album.
Ronnie James, USA, Maryland
I saw Thandiswa on a broadcast of the 2004 KORA awards here in the US. I recorded a portion, and have shown it to a number of friends to give them a sense of the artists, and music from various countries of Africa. In Maryland the one college radio station that provided an active channel to African music removed the staff during a semester break. So there are probably millions here in the States that hunger for the beautiful music of Africa. Perhaps all we know is that the music deeply touches our souls. Perhaps it is a longing for home.
Lesetse Kimwaga - Palapye, Botswana
Talking about the best, THANDISWA surely becomes the first. With the talent of this calibre, She deserves this award most definitely
Asa Johannesburg
Her music is not shallow and is truly african, nto trying 2 be lyk anybody else...She is doing her own thing and IT Rocks BIG TIME.
Buddy (Jo'burg)
There is but only one winner and her name is Thandiswa. She just epitomizes Excellence. Put simply she just RoX !!!
Lebogang Mathabatha, South Africa
She is a true phenomenon. The voice,the undeniable talent and the grace her of musical style makes her a hero to all those who call themselves african.
Tsietso Lehodi, South Africa
This is such a great album which holds the South African toots. You go girl.
Grace Khunou Jozi
Thandiswa represents, she is a winner.
Dodo Moche(SA)
She is great in everyway that counts.
pamella(south africa)
she is one of the best musicians in the whole of Africa, she deserves the award. She is an inspiration to us south Africans.
Simthembile , Cape Town (SA)
Thandiswa has a beautiful voice, she is very talented and has many years of singing ahead of her. I can listen to anything that she sings.
Pumla, Cape Town South Africa
Zabalaza is out of this world. 'Nizilibel'ubanizalwa ngoobani' makes me wanna cry. Keep up the good work sister, you make us proud.
Mpho - Johannesburg,SA
Thandiswa is a mature artist who has a lot of talent which we are fortunate to share with the rest of the world.It is encouraging that fame did not go into her head and she is still proud to be an African, proud of her Xhosa culture. I saw her performing in Cape Town on 27/12/2004 and I was really proud to know that she is not only a gifted artist but do have brain as well. God bless you Thandiswa and may the good Lord be with you in all your endevours.
Thabi, Johannesburg
Her album epitomises everything that there is to love about music; it's soothing, healing, inspiring, invigorating, makes you wanna dance, takes you up and gently sets you down again. It's amazingly African and yet beautifully universal. Thank you T for believing in your talent. In a small way it has helped a lot of others believe in theirs :-)
Andrew-Pretoria
Miss Mazwai rocks...her voice takes me away!! She's one 2 listen 2 anyday..Big up Thandiswa
Tumi-Pretoria
I voted for Thandiswa because she is talented and has musically grown as from the 90's group-Jacknife.I love the way she projects her voice. U go and get the award my golden voice.
Mpho - Johannesburg,SA
Thandiswa is gifted artist who is proud to be African. She visited her roots in Transkei to revive her bond with the Xhosa culture she is very proud of. We are really blessed to have her amongst us. Sister continue with your good healing sounds. God bless you.
Carl - South Africa
Thandiswa Rocks!!!
Nancy - Johannesburg
She has all the qualities. Voice, beauty, perfomance, personality. She is the voice of the nation. She symbolises Africa, She deserves this award.
zingi - cape town SA
Amazing, encouraging and lifting and oh so African better yet so Xhosa. If you listen to the music long enough you can hear our ancestors narrating the stories we should be listening to and passing on to our kids, the stories of LIVING as opposed to EXISTING! Gal, I am buying your cd as gifts to friends!
Mo, Mzansi
Thadiswa's talent is way above the standard of most artists in our country and i feel that she is ready to make the world listen.
Karabo (South Africa)
She is the best vocalist and one of the best Artist to come out of South Africa. Amazing on Stage perfomance.
Rickizm - Johannesburg, SA
I think she's phenomenal; she deserves a world wide recognition for her talent, brains and most importantly her African looks. She's young, gifted and talented.
Jack, Johannesburg
Thandiswa ROX! She's gonna take the award. We luv her songs.
Vinny, Johannesburg South Africa
Miss Mazwai is a pure sister of the soil. She's one of the greatest singers South Africa has produced and a real performer on stage. She deserves the award and her album Zabalaza rocks!!!
biobot, Neverland
Zabalaza is a superb crossover album, blending African exuberance with pop sophistication. Wow.
Tebogo,Johannesburg
i think Thandiswa is one of the best female artists to come out of South Africa and Africa as a whole. her album is a fusion of traditional Xhosa music and what is happening in our society today. our struggle continues. I’m really proud of her and wish she wins the award.
Mzwamadoda , Benoni, south africa
I think thandiswa deserves to win the award, she is a great inspiration to all south africans.
Malose Gwangwa - JHB (Egoli!)
There aren't many 'muses' that have the ability to capture true emotions by "simply" enjoying what they do best...Thandiswa has cultivated a force of her inner self to be reckoned with and she deserves the recognition for it. "Keep on keepin' on sista!!"
THULISILE RSA
THAndiswa is a talented girl, brave & proud to be a AFRICAN
Setlogola Noah Thoke - South Africa
For lack of a better expression Thandiswa is culturally expressive and oozes with dynamism not to mention that she is original as well
Busi Matebese
Great performer who tell our (Xhosa) story t the world
S J Madikiza
She is the best
Sba
I have followed her musical career since the first album of Bongo Muffin and she is such a brilliant singer who has a wonderful way of telling a Xhosa story in her songs. Zabalaza makes me proud of being an African. I love it and love her so much.
Khomotso Naka. Pretoria (SA)
Quite simply, the pride and joy of South Africa. Thandiswa is the future face of African music.
Ongy, JHB, South Africa
The guy from Madrid is talking nonsense...can't say I've heard the Fugees singing in Xhosa....???!! Thandiswa rocks! She is a beautiful artist. Her album is beautiful, soothing, unique and real...Great work sister girl keep the flag flying high!
Frank Marlowe South Africa
i love Thandiswa's music she is very talented...?i love every bit of her voice and style keepin' it all cultural?
Muzzi south africa
the best thing that has happened to the south African music industry keep it up my sister
lebogang montso S.A
I vote for Thandiswa Mazwai, she is the best artist in our country she deserves to win the audience award. Thank you.
Millie. Maryland USA
I love her voice. Keep up the good work girl. Am going to try and get her cd. Very positive lyrics and she had a great path set forth for her to follow to success. Peace
m.e.malieane lesotho
she does not present only south african but africa as a whole. keep on doing well in your career music is yours sis.I want to see you winning, and making people happy with your music. Hard work always pays keep it up
Andile Md - London
She is great. She Gathers her strength from her culture. Nutures the Spirit that feeds the soul which then feeds the personality and talent then her work can only be referred to as an explosion.
Dumaeza, South African in England
Thandiswa is really bringing it in this album... she has really matured musically from the days her first appearance on bongo maffin... her afro-jazz sound should rock even the international market
ogova ondego. nairobi, kenya
My vote is to Thandiswa Mazwai, the daughter of Azania. Mazwai symbolises hope, peace and prosperity in South Africa. A former lead vocalist with Bongo Maffin, a top Kwaito act, Mazwai's creativity has been showcased in Zabalaza, her debut album readily connected with people across Africa and the world earning her awards and nominations in the public vote-driven Metro FM Awards (Best Female, Best Afro-Pop, Album of the Year), Best Female Artist from Southern Africa in the Kora All Africa Music Awards, and went on to receive a further nod in the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music in 2005. To emerge the best in African music section, Anglophone Mazwai will have to beat Francophone artists Youssou N'Dour of Senegal and Rokia Traore and Tinariwen (a Touareg group) of Mali. The success of Mazwai, one of the pioneers of Kwaito-a blending of South African 'bubblegum' disco music, R&B, raga, hiphop and British and American house music-is also the success of this uniquely Azanian tune that is synonymous with freedom, democracy, identity and self-determination in New South Africa. Music critics have hailed Zabalaza, which is approaching platinum status, as a work that represents the best musical offering from South Africa while retaining a unique universal appeal. Mazwai's nomination for the BBC Radio 3 Award World Music Awards is also a first in that she is the first artist from an English-speaking African nation to be accorded this recognition. Yes, the award is for Thandiswa Mazwai.
Luni , Johannesburg South Africa
If she is the best that Africa is to offer, then we are yet far from a true reflection of great talent in Africa. She has no original sound and her mix masala album almost makes me sick. She is not definitive in her delivery and she should have tried to reflect more authentically who we are as Africans in artistry, she seems to be trying so hard to sound like something or someone. Stop undermining Africa, truly we can do much better than this. Listen carefully.
WALA DANGA LONDON
Assembled in Africa are some of the best and greatest talents in the world waiting to take up the big centre stage Thandiswa is the artist representing youthful vigour 'Nu Africa'in the 21st century the world should not be denied the opportunity to hear, see and witness this exceptional talent...she deserves to win she has earned it!
inani ,cape town
i think she is more than great. she a breath of fresh air and she epitomises the true african sensuality. I’m black and I’m African and not a day goes by without me listening to her album. I want to see her win i want to see take over the world
Frank Eckardt, Botswana
I saw Thandiswa opening for Ishmael Lo in Johannesburg, Newtown venue. She delivered an amazing set as the crowd still trickled in. By the end of the concert and another performer (Oliver Mtukudzi)her act resonated most. She will go far. Hope to see her again. She might fill the big shoes that Brenda Fassie left behind but in a totally different style.
PAUL CONTEH
I THINK IT'S GREAT MUSIC SHE HAVE A VERY NICE VOICE AN I GIVE IT A EIGHT WELL I'M IN AMERICA SO THAT'S HOW WE GRADE MUSIC.GOOD LUCK TO HER.PEACE.
Robert Ocloo
Great, THANDISWA MAZWAI is another African trekking in the path of; Mariam Makeba, Angeliqe kidjo. You feel Africa in the rhythm and the lyrics. She is Talented and Dedicated.
Rudo, Uk
Usis Thandiswa brings a kind of spirituality to music. Her depth is reflected in her lyrics and her soul in her vocals. There is not a more deserving artist for this award. Her intensity and her passion are contagious, she is a symbol of womanhood through my eyes.
Andrew Nyakwenegura in USA
I think Mazwai is a talented young lady who deserves the title, its great she left Bongo Maffin to claim her seat at the helm of world music.
Thomas Hlongwane, Bristol
Thandiswa is a great singer who has helped put South African music on the map. Keep up the good work.
Richard W Guy
yes I definitely Think that Thandiswa Mazwai is the real deal. I want to see her win
Alex , Geneva
Thandiswa has a voice that should be heard, a style of her own. The music makes you move, she has a special talent that should be awarded the big price.
Simphiwe Mncube, Durban
I think Thandiswa is a hard worker and she deserves the award, so by mixing her talent and her determination has brought her all the recognition I think she's just a start
Linus Nyiwul
Who gave the BBBC this list of African musicians? Are these the only ones Africa have as "best"? I tell you, stop your ignorance and be more objective? The list is nonsense!!!!
Fidel, Afrique du Sud
There is something in her voice. She can take any song and give it a soul. There's is something is her voice.
thando -cape town
i'm voting for thandiswa because she is the boom i'm telling you the lady can perform!! the last time i saw her performance was in green market square on 27/12/04.
Veli Mkhwanazi, Morgenzon South Africa
Thandiswa Mazwai is doing good. Yes its still hard for her but with the effort she hav, she will make it to the top. Phambili Thandiswa Phambili.
Khanyo, Cape Town RSA
She's a talented artist with much more to GIVE to the world. With her personality and character, complemented by her BRAINS she's destined for higher levels. She's got qualities of a Mentor & a role model too .....May god allow to live for longer..
Ntuthu Mpofana-Empangeni (SA)
I think Thandiswa Mazwai rocks big time and she should be crowned queen of the world. Thank you.
Mapule Thobejane, Midrand, South Africa
I'm listening to Thandiswa as I type this. AMAZING, refreshing, merges within me memories of innocence, carefree days spent in Transkei on holidays & the woman within me I'm nurturing & trying to discover. She restores hope that artistry in music still exists. She's Divine & a talent like hers comes seldom. She is one of a few that will go down in history as the greatest...like Brenda Fassie, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder & other such artists.
Lahai, K. USA
Probably one of if not the best. I can buy all her recordings any time.
neil fyfe, madrid
shame she sounds as if she comes from NYC and is part of the fugees. i hope always for true personality, not copying. get rid of the ever present standard drum-kit (not necessary dare i say). neil
Zoleka, Pretoria, South Africa
Sis Thandiswa is a breath of fresh air. Her album, Zabalaza will keep fans stomping while internalising a message that South African youth really need to hear. I am particularly impressed by her choice to be known by her name and surname.
Sandiso, Durban South Africa
Thandiswa truly is talented. Her music is truly African and deep in terms of spirituality. I seriously think that Thandiswa's Zabalaza album has the potential of busting the international chance only if international record labels could give her the chance to get Zabalaza on the shelves all over the world.




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